Overview
- The Bengal BJP released a report alleging industrial decline and projecting state debt at about ₹7.71 lakh crore, while questioning the implementation of Bengal Global Business Summit proposals.
- Banerjee rejected near-₹7 lakh crore debt claims, cited compliance with FRBM norms, and said pending central dues of ₹1.97 lakh crore constrain finances.
- She highlighted state indicators including exports above ₹1.15 lakh crore, more than 2.5 lakh registered companies, and over 93 lakh MSME units.
- New measures announced for traders and small businesses include trade and export facilitation centres in Kolkata and Siliguri, a West Bengal Traders’ Welfare Board, a single-window interface with district chambers, and a state trade portal offering bill discounting access via 72 banks.
- At business conclaves, she argued that harassment by central agencies and shortfalls in GST transfers deter investment, even as prominent industrialists attended and lauded the state’s investment outreach.